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Have an old frame that’s been used for years and years? That’s not the only thing that can support your mattress – other options can make it stand taller or lower, they can make your bed look better (or worse), or give you sturdier support that will make your mattress feel a bit firmer. Whether you need to buy both a mattress and a base or just one of those, you need to make sure they are compatible… Unless you want to void your warranty. Here’s in-depth info on various types of bed frames, bases, and other furniture items that you can put under your mattress.
Options for What Goes Under a Mattress
A bed typically consists of a mattress and whatever supports the mattress – usually a bed frame or a platform. There are a lot more things you can place under the mattress (box spring, bunkie board, etc).
Sometimes the words “bed foundation”, or “mattress foundation” are used as general names for a bed base. But in more specific terms of the mattress industry, a mattress foundation is similar to a box spring, as you’ll see below.
What people commonly use under their mattresses include:
- Box spring
- Platform bed
- Mattress foundation
- Metal bed frame
- Wooden bed frame
- Adjustable bed
- Bunkie board
- Loft bed
- Trundle bed
Of course, you can mix and match some of these – a bunkie board can go over a wooden frame, or a box spring can be placed on a metal bed frame or even a platform bed. Much of it depends on the type of mattress you have, and I’ll include mattress compatibility with each bed base type.
Box spring
Box springs are some of the most popular bed bases. They typically have a wooden structure and springs inside. On the surface, they’re wrapped in fabric.
A box spring is often placed on a bed frame or directly on the floor. They add height to the mattress, increase the airflow, and, more importantly (and the reason they were made in the first place), they add bounce and absorb shock. Box springs gained popularity back when all mattresses were innerspring and not too comfortable.
Today they are still compatible with innerspring mattresses (this does not include hybrid mattresses with springs). Don’t use memory foam, latex mattresses, and hybrids on box springs. They can get damaged because these mattresses need strong, flat support – many warranties prohibit the use of an incompatible base, and some specifically mention a box spring.
Advantages:
- Increases bounce
- More air circulation
- Absorbs shock
Matching mattress types:
- Innerspring mattresses
Platform bed
A platform bed frame is often made of metal and has wooden slats or a metal grid for support. Some might even come with a solid base.
A platform bed has a sturdy base and an even surface that can support any mattress type. People who want to be able to switch mattresses without having to switch the entire bed should go for a platform.
You can combine a platform bed and a box spring or a foundation if you want to add height, but it’s absolutely not required.
Advantages:
- Excellent mattress support
- You can switch mattresses
- Usually inexpensive
Matching mattress types:
- All (foam, hybrid, innerspring, air, etc.)
Mattress foundation
Similar to a box spring, a mattress foundation has a metal or wooden frame and is encased in fabric (either the whole thing or just the sides). The difference is that instead of springs, it has slats.
The slatted foundation makes it good for all mattress types. It doesn’t offer the same springiness as the box spring, but with modern mattresses, you don’t really need a box spring.
Mattress foundations have the same type of mattress support as platform beds, but they usually require a frame. Whether you’ll use it is up to you – mattress foundations can be quite low to the ground if you don’t, and that’s what some people are going for.
Advantages:
- Sturdy support
- You can switch mattresses
Matching mattress types:
- All (foam, hybrid, innerspring, air, etc.)
Metal bed frame
The common metal bed frame typically has three legs along each rail and is usually made of stainless steel. Sizes larger than Twin often have one rail in the middle to give extra support.
That’s the simplest type of metal bed frames – it requires something to go on top and support the mattress. You can also find metal platform beds when looking for metal bed frames. They don’t need anything to top them off, a mattress can go directly on such a metal frame.
Many metal bed frames are adjustable for the bed size. They typically have a system where you need to slide the rails and legs until you match the exact size of your bed.
Advantages:
- Sturdy
- Adjustable size
Matching mattress types:
- All mattresses (if you add a foundation)
- Innerspring mattresses (if you add a box spring)
Wooden bed frame
Wooden frames are similar to metal bed frames in that they might require a box spring or a foundation, but the type you’ll most commonly find out there is the wooden platform bed.
Platform types are more common because they are cheaper. Wooden frames with more style and large headboards and/or footboards cost much more and use more expensive types of wood.
They are very sturdy and come in heavy-duty options.
Advantages:
- Sturdy
- Gives a more natural look
Matching mattress types:
- All mattresses (if you add a foundation)
- Innerspring mattresses (if you add a box spring)
Adjustable bed
Adjustable bed frames have a base that can be raised up. The simple types can only raise the upper-body area and the so-called zero gravity beds can in addition raise the leg area. They are often made of metal, but some can have wooden frames. The mechanism is always made of metal.
Adjustable beds are typically used as hospital beds, but now anyone can buy an adjustable bed frame. They come in a variety of styles and work best with foam and some hybrid mattresses because those are easily bendable.
Simpler adjustable beds have a mechanism that you need to set up manually, but more modern ones have a remote or can be connected to your smartphone. Some adjustable beds have in-built massaging systems. Adjustable beds tend to be pricey, but don’t go for the cheapest ones – we do not recommend them!
Adjustable beds are normally recommended for people who have GERD, obstructive sleep apnea, or certain types of spinal injuries.
Advantages:
- Customizable positioning
Matching mattress types:
- Memory foam mattresses
- Latex mattresses
- Hybrid mattresses (not all)
Bunkie board
A bunkie board is either a solid board usually wrapped in fabric or a set of connected slats. They are made of wood and make for a support layer of up to 2 inches.
You can place a bunkie board on top of a box spring to adapt it for a foam mattress. Alternatively, you can place it directly on the floor, especially the slatted bunkie board because it will allow for some air circulation (floor mattresses tend to collect moisture and need to be aired out frequently). Also, solid bunkie boards decrease the airflow – just to bear in mind.
Bunkie boards can also improve the mattress support of an old platform bed frame or if some of your existing slats break.
Advantages:
- Gives support without adding much height
- You can easily make a bunkie board
Matching mattress types:
- All (foam, hybrid, innerspring, air, etc.)
Loft bed
Loft beds don’t make any special difference for the mattress itself – they usually have a slatted foundation and are made of wood. Metal ones have a metal grid to hold the mattress.
Loft beds might remind you of bunk beds and childhood, but you shouldn’t disregard them because they can be very useful for adults as well. A whole lot of stuff can fit under your mattress.
Advantages:
- Saves space
Matching mattress types:
- All (foam, hybrid, innerspring, air, etc.)
Trundle bed
Trundle beds have small wheels attached to the frame. They can be kept hidden under another bed (pop-up trundle beds), especially when they serve as guest beds in kids’ rooms.
Trundle beds can have wooden or metal frames and they are often slatted. They are extremely easy to move around and are good for those who like their bed low to the ground.
Advantages:
- easy to move
- saves space
Matching mattress types:
- All (foam, hybrid, innerspring, air, etc.)
How to Choose a Mattress Base
You shouldn’t just get the first type of mattress base that comes up in your internet search. There are things you need to consider. And even if you’re more willing to ask someone for a recommendation rather than search for yourself, they will probably ask you about the following five things first.
Type of mattress
What kind of mattress do you have? As you can see above, some mattress base types can go with all mattresses (platform, foundation, bunkie board) and some can only go with one (box spring with innerspring mattresses). You should choose accordingly.
Appearance
What look are you going for? Minimalist, fancy, modern, quaint? A simple platform bed can give you a minimalistic look, while an engraved wooden frame can look much older than it really is. Bed frames can greatly vary in style.
Durability
Box springs with coils tend to last shorter than foundations and platform beds. Here you should also take quality into consideration because, for example, a platform bed of higher quality (and price) lasts longer than a cheap platform bed.
Weight capacity
Most bases and foundations can be found in heavy-duty options if you’re a heavy person. Beds vary in weight limit from about 300 to 4000 pounds. Metal and wooden frames should be able to hold a foundation, a mattress, your partner, and you – all weights combined.
Height
Standard bed height (with a mattress) is 25 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress. That’s because it’s estimated that the most comfortable position for sitting and getting up is the position at which your knees are at a 90-degree angle. And 25 inches should be good enough for an average person. Now, people with hip problems need a bed higher than that. Some people might want a lower bed lower for their own reasons.
See which height is the best for you and choose the base accordingly. A bunkie board on the floor and a low-profile mattress make the lowest bed. A bed frame and a foundation under the mattress would make a much higher bed.
Why Is It Important to Put Something Under a Mattress?
Total bed height and comfort of getting in and out isn’t the most important reason to keep the mattress away from the floor.
It’s the moisture that gets trapped – keeping your mattress directly on the floor for a long time with accumulated moisture can support the growth of mold and bad smells. For example, the Japanese have traditionally used futons as beds that they place directly on the floor, and they regularly hang them outside to dry.
FAQs
You could use a sheet of plywood or a bunkie board. It won’t fix an old sagging mattress, but it can make some mattresses a bit firmer.
A bunkie board is a board many people use when they need to put something firm and flat under a mattress. It’s sometimes made of plywood, and many people use their own plywood for this purpose.
Yes, you can. But you need to make sure your floor is kept clean and the mattress is well-ventilated and often flipped for drying.
If a bed frame has slats or a metal grid, then yes. Those are called platform bed frames. If you have a bed frame with no or just one rail through the middle for support, then you need a box spring or a foundation to support the mattress.
They are similar but not the same – foundations typically have slats and are compatible with all mattresses, and box springs typically have coils or another type of springs inside and are only compatible with innerspring mattresses. They both look the same on the outside, so be careful when shopping!
Conclusion
We talked about nine types of bed bases that can support your mattress – box springs and foundations, metal and wooden frames, platform beds and their different types including trundle and loft beds. Then there are adjustable beds and bunkie boards. Some of them can be used with all mattress types (foundations, all platform types, and bunkie boards), others are only good for one (box springs), and adjustable bed frames cannot be used with simple innerspring mattresses.
You can mix and match some of these bases to suit your needs – and don’t forget to factor in things like durability, appearance, height, weight limit, and mattress type when choosing your bed base.
Next step: Read our guide to the best bed frame for a memory foam mattress. Foam mattresses have unique requirements, and it’s important to make sure that you get a frame that provides enough support.
With over 5 years experience writing about sleep and mattresses, she's considered one of the go-to experts on the topic.
She likes cycling, nature, art, and languages. She pays special attention to providing you with accurate and useful information when it comes to your sleep quality.
After solving her personal sleep and tiredness problems, she is on to help others by sharing this invaluable information.
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